NewsNoticias Tampa Bay (Univision)August 13, 2026Hillsborough
La Jolla resident pleads guilty to federal charge for kicking sea lion
Tyler Muehl, 18, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act after being recorded kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove. The incident, which occurred on July 22, 2026, involved Muehl repeatedly striking the animal, an act classified as a federal misdemeanor.
Read the full story at Noticias Tampa Bay (Univision)Why It Matters
The case highlights the federal legal consequences for harassing protected marine wildlife, with potential penalties reaching up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
Key Facts
- Tyler Muehl pleaded guilty to a federal misdemeanor for violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
- The incident occurred on July 22, 2026, at La Jolla Cove.
- Muehl admitted to kicking a sea lion four times.
- The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassing, pursuing, or tormenting marine mammals.
- The maximum penalty for the charge is one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
- Sentencing is set for October 20, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
- The case is being heard by Federal Magistrate Judge Jill L. Burkhardt.
- The prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Allen and Elizabet Brown.
Who's Mentioned
personJill L. Burkhardt“Federal Magistrate Judge presiding over the case”personEric Morgan“NOAA Fisheries official”personAdam Gordon“Federal prosecutor for the Southern District of California”personElizabet Brown“Assistant U.S. Attorney”personEmily Allen“Assistant U.S. Attorney”personTyler Muehl“18-year-old La Jolla resident who pleaded guilty”otherMarine Mammal Protection Act“Federal law violated”locationLa Jolla Cove“Site of the incident”